Ask any child psychologist and they will tell you that something as simple as getting your child dressed for the day, can be a real battleground in some families.
It’s quite common for children to dislike wearing socks, to the point where they pitch a tantrum when getting dressed, or remove them as soon as the parent’s back is turned.
On the other hand, there are some children who insist on wearing socks all the time!
Is Wearing Socks all the Time Bad?
As local podiatrist Trevor Lane points out, there are several reasons we wear socks:
- to absorb sweat and help keep our feet dry, thus preventing foot odour and problems with tinea and other nasties;
- to provide warmth in cool weather;
- to promote sleep at bedtime;
- to prevent feet from rubbing on shoes, causing blisters; and
- to prolong the life of shoes and keep them fresh.
But what about wearing socks all the time – even without shoes?
Some families have a strict “shoes off” policy in the home, so it is understandable if your child wants to wear socks around the house in the middle of winter. Slippers would be a better choice, as they will last longer and also provide grip on slippery hardwood or tiled floors.
Wearing socks all the time is a quirk that is more commonly found in children with sensory issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
However on its own, wearing socks all the time is usually nothing to worry about. Just make sure that:
- socks fit correctly – too small and they restrict the movement of toes and development of feet;
- they are changed for clean ones regularly;
- feet are washed every day, with particular attention paid to drying the feet and in between the toes thoroughly;
- you consider choosing socks made with natural fibres, as they allow feet to “breathe”.
It is only if your child’s insistence on wearing socks all the time interferes with their daily life that it can become a problem – for example, if your child refuses to go swimming because they don’t want to take their socks off.
In such a case, you may want to seek out professional help from a Brisbane child psychologist.